When we get out for a hike, bike, paddle or other exercise, we deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are breathing fresh, clean air. Yet, even rural mountains such as Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire or Shenandoah National Park in Virginia can experience ozone concentrations as high as those found in urban areas.
Unfortunately, ozone — a component of smog — is a particularly troublesome pollutant for those pursuing outdoor recreation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers those exercising a “sensitive group” since we breathe greater volumes of air, and breathe more deeply when exercising. As a result, recreationists are warned to limit outdoor activities during high ozone events, which happen several times each summer. In order to protect public health and our environment, when the issue of tightening national ozone standards is at hand we need to speak up.
Now is the time for President Obama to speak up for clean air and support the most protective new ozone standard under consideration: 60 parts per billion for health and 7 parts per million-hours for the environment.
If you agree and value clean air in the mountains and in your backyard, President Obama needs to hear from you TODAY!
TAKE ACTION: Call President Obama today at 202-456-1111 or reach out to him via Facebook or Twitter using our sample posts below. Urge him to support healthy outdoor exercise by issuing a strong ozone standard.
Post on the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Facebook page.
Sample Facebook Post: Mr. President - As a recreationist I urge you to support strong ozone standards. I value getting outside to recreate, especially in the summer, but when ozone pollution is too high the EPA recommends that people like me limit outdoor exercise. Please support the most protective ozone standards being considered so that I can stay healthy and enjoy getting outdoors.
Sample Tweet: Please support strong new ozone standards and protect healthy #outdoors recreation @BarackObama.
Feedback: Let us know how it goes! Email us at amcconservation@outdoors.org.Labels: CAN, clean air, Conservation Action Network